Have you ever been majorly stressed out? When your mind races with a mental to-do list of the hundred things you need to catch up on, and your phone is beeping with people needing your attention, and you're trying so hard to get some school or work projects done that seem just a little bit more difficult than you expected, and on top of all of it you're just having a really bad day and can't seem to do anything right. Yep, I'm talking about that level of stress. And I know we've all had those days. Sometimes when I reach that level of major stress, I will retreat to my favorite chair, ignore my to-do list, and eat my favorite ice cream while binge watching my favorite TV shows. And trust me, I know we've all been there too. Life can be very stressful. In a world that is constantly on-the-go and constantly demanding from you, it can be easy to feel too stressed out to even know what to do anymore. When we reach that point of being too stressed out to even know what to do, I promise you there are better options than binge watching TV shows and eating a gallon of Rocky Road ice cream. So what do you do when you're too stressed out to even know what to do anymore? Go to Jesus. Matthew 11:28-30 tells us: "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” When we are most stressed out, that is when we need to be with Jesus the most. He holds the rest that we so desperately need. If you're stressing out and you keep running on empty, that's when the enemy can get you at your weakest. As soon as you feel that strain of stress pulling on you, clear out your schedule for an hour or two--even a whole day--and get away by yourself where you can spend undivided attention with Jesus. Spend time off social media. When I'm especially stressed out, I know that spending time on social media often makes it worse. Yes, it feels good at first to sit down and "zone out" as I scroll through my friend's Instagram or Facebook feeds. But the longer I sit there on my phone looking at how "they have it all together" or how "perfect" their lives look through a screen, I become increasingly more stressed out. Set your phone aside, turn off the ringer and the notifications, and do something more productive. Maybe use that time to spend with Jesus or to work on a project you have due. But take as much time away from social media as you need. Don't procrastinate. Oh, yes, this one can be tough. I generally don't procrastinate. I would much rather get things done way in advance than done at the last minute. However, when I'm stressed out my first reaction is to forget everything I have to get done and run after that ice cream we've been talking about. Here's the thing: procrastination is only going to stress you out more in the end. After you have rested with Jesus, tackle your to-do list one task at a time. Keep working hard until you get some projects knocked out. Don't keep putting them off until the last minute. Celebrate the little accomplishments. One time I had a to-do list full of things that needed to get done. And by full, I mean I couldn't even keep track of everything I actually needed to do. Each time I would complete a project, I would rush onto the next and keep going, trying to get all of it done at once without taking a break. Instead of helping my stress, I gave myself more stress and burned out quickly. Remember that it's okay to take breaks and have fun and celebrate the little accomplishments you cross off your to-do list too. If you got two projects crossed off your list, or even just one big one, take some time to go for dinner with friends. Take a walk in the crisp air. Read some chapters in that new book you've been wanting to start. Do something creative. Eat a yummy treat (Now I give you permission to get that ice cream). Take a deep breath. I know life and all that you need to accomplish can feel overwhelming at times. Take a deep breath and look at the bigger picture. God has a purpose for everything. Nothing He gives you is too big that you and Him can't accomplish it together. And maybe next time you're too stressed out to know what to do, you'll smile and remember...you can do this with Him. Keep moving forward. Hi friends! Today on my blog, we are celebrating Miss Tessa Hall and the release of her brand new book, Fallen Leaves. I'm so excited for her and excited for you to learn more about her book. Tessa has been so kind as to join me here today with a guest post she wrote, so I hope you'll read and show her some love in the comments below. <3 Giving the Pen to Him: |
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